Have you ever fantasized about quitting your day job to follow your passion? Fremont native, Ben Vose took that brave leap and did just that to open Galerie Artax—Niles’ new art gallery and studio. Vose said, “I don’t want to be an old guy and wish I would have spent time pursuing something that I thought was really worthwhile, so I’m giving myself a year and then we’ll see what happens from there.” Vose graduated from Washington High School and then went back to teach physical education at his alma mater. He loved to create art as a child but quit as a teenager because his brother became a professional artist, and he didn’t want his brother to outshine him. In retrospect, he thinks that was a bad decision.
His passion for art resurfaced about five years ago when he started sculpting whimsical figures. Vose joined an art group and became part of the local art scene. As he worked alongside other artists, he envisioned a space to bring artists and the community together through workshops and other events. “Community has always been a big part of my life in different aspects, and I loved art, so I wanted to combine the two,” Vose said. He also wanted a space for artists to showcase and sell their art. Galerie Artax is the culmination of that dream. The name is a nod to Artax the horse from the book and film The Never Ending Story which had a profound effect on Ben and has inspired his art.
Ben hosted a holiday market at his studio on Dec. 14 that brought together Bay Area artists whose unconventional creations came in a variety of art forms, such as crochet, stationery, screen printing, books and jewelry—sting ray earrings, anyone? There was even a claw machine with key chain prizes made by a local artist that was a popular attraction.
Galerie Artax offers art workshops for all ages, special events, art exhibitions and event space rentals. An array of art is on display at his studio; from humorous and cute items like children’s books, colorful stationery, cartoon prints and pug drawings; to fantastical pieces like dragon sculptures and original paintings of ethereal women and unicorns. A unique offering at his studio are sculpture kits that enable kids to assemble and paint sculptures based on the originals made by Vose.
Ben Vose welcomes artists to present their work to him for potential display in his gallery. He is especially interested in unusual art that tells a story. Ben said, “I’m looking for something a little bit different. There are a lot of weird people out there looking for weird things…and, also, cute stuff.” Ben is also looking for artists and other community members who would like to teach a workshop—on topics not necessarily related to art. “It doesn’t have to be art specific. If somebody wants to teach people how to plant roses or something like that, I would be open to it.”
Galerie Artax
Sat and Sun: 10am – 3pm*
Wed, Thur, Fri: 3:30pm – 5pm*
Mon and Tue: Closed
*Hours are approximate and subject to change
37729 Niles Blvd., Fremont
510.298.1367
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